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A slightly earlier start than usual saw three members join the leader on a warm sunny morning. Activity at the Lake had been quiet for some time and expectations were not high. The water level was low so many of the water birds were distant. Despite this a total of 36 species were recorded. This

Seventeen of us met near Walton-in-Gordano on a dry, warm morning. Various habitats were promised: managed wetland (seasonally dry), woodland and heath. Straightaway we saw a Grey Heron flapping off close by, and a Buzzard circling in the distance. On the path across the moorland reserve we saw several Swallows, had a good view of

Birding can be hard going in August; most breeding is over and birds are less visible as they prepare to moult. We still managed 32 species plus Roe Deer and Hare. The dew pond near the car park attracts numerous Swallow and House Martin dropping down for a drink. In spite of the long, dry

Thirteen members met for a very hot and humid walk from the pretty Cotswold village of Hillesley with parties of Swifts darting overhead. The countryside and views were fabulous and very soon after starting our walk we had good views of a Whitethroat sitting on top of an ear of corn. A little further on

Eight members arrived in drizzly rain which fortunately stopped in time for the walk which began from the entrance to Clevedon Golf Club. We joined the Clevedon to Portishead coastal path, a narrow sometimes slippery path which gave wonderful views of the Welsh coastline. We saw Blue Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinch and Blackcap and heard

On a warm but overcast morning, 24 of us turned up for a very interesting walk at Pilning Wetlands. As soon as we got to the sea wall all the ‘scopes came out to view 80 Oystercatchers, 42 Curlew, 50 Redshank, Canada Geese, Shelduck, 60 Starling and 100’s of Black-headed Gulls amongst which one moulting

Encouraged by the optimistic weather forecast, 27 members assembled at the beautiful coniferous and deciduous Stockhill Woods high up on the Mendips, planted on the site of bumps and rocky outcrops left after centuries of lead mining. As heavy showers commenced from the start Graham cut everyone’s losses and changed plan to adopt the shorter

Our second weekend was quieter, with 183 visitors, perhaps because of competition from the HarbourFestival, and a wet Sunday. However visitors were rewarded with great views of the birds from the usualwatch point. The three juveniles were seen flying together, and two were frequently on dead branchesopposite. As a final flourish on the Sunday an

Twelve club members sighed a breath of relief at the end of the recent heatwave to assemble on a morningthreatening the first rain for some days. Birthday cake and blackberries were enjoyed on the rather busy quarry road before we set off south in milky sunshine from the discouragingly signposted ‘Discharge Point 2″. Nuthatch, Wood

On a balmy evening, nine of us met at Speech House Car Park at 20:00 to look for Nightjars on Crabtree Hill.Passing the pool a few House Martins and a Swallow aroused our first interest. Many Song Thrushes were seen, especially a juvenile giving close views. We turned right at the cattle pen, but two